At least seven people were swept away by floods in Mukaa area, Makueni County. The seven, according to reports, were part of a group of people coming back from Nairobi where they had attended an event organized by First Lady Rachel Ruto.
Confirmed reports indicated that they were attempting to cross River Muuoni which was swollen due to the ongoing enhanced rains experienced in the country.
As per reports from the scene, drivers from a nearby town had warned against trying to cross the river in light of the heavy rains that had pounded the area.
However, the group reportedly ignored the warnings and proceeded towards the river.
Witnesses further explained that the seven had been sitting on a floating log in the river after being overwhelmed by the water.
However, flash floods swept them into the water and thus leading to the unfortunate incident.
Several other motorists and road users were also left stranded at the scene as the floods paralyzed movement across the river.
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As per reports, some of the members who drowned are relatives and part of a larger welfare group that had been invited to attend the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) event held at the Kasarani.
The deaths now add to the list of deaths reported across the country due to the ongoing rains.
Rachel Ruto hosts women in Nairobi
Women from across Kenya graced the event with First Lady Rachel Ruto leading other first ladies in launching an initiative named the Unifying Campaign for Kenya.
The initiative, according to Mama Rachel, will last for one year and will zero in on four crucial pillars: addressing gender-based violence, enhancing health outcomes, promoting education, and fostering economic empowerment.
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In her speech, the First Lady Household announced plans to help households in the country switch to clean and safer methods of cooking through the initiative.
“As part of Kenya’s #WeAreEqual campaign, we are guiding households on how to access loans that will enable them to switch to cleaner and safer fuels, Rachel Ruto stated.
President William Ruto also graced the event alongside Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni.
